Personal Hygiene You Need To Know About The Ear

Do not clean ear wax with cotton buds

This is because the wax is only pushed deeper into the ear canal which can damage the ear drum and damage your hearing. Ear wax is actually beneficial. It protects the ears from foreign objects, insects and against fungal infection. It also lubricates the ear canal.

How can you get rid of ear wax? You can’t and you don’t need to. But if you really have a problem, its best to see a doctor.

Your ears can reveal a lot about your health. Check the colour of your ear wax with a Q-tip, and find out whether you need to worry. Move it along the external ear without penetrating the ear canal.

Grey wax: people in large polluted cities get this. It is probably dust.

Wax with traces of blood: may indicate perforation of the ear drum. Your hearing may worsen. See a doctor.

• Brown wax: a lot of dark coloured wax indicates your body has been through a lot of stress.
• Black wax. A one-off case of black wax doesn’t indicate illness. Itching is a sign of fungal infection.
• Liquid wax: suggests possible trauma and inflammation.
• White wax: your body lacks vitamins and nutrients, including iron and copper.
• Dry wax: your body lacks useful fats. May indicate dermatitis or other skin problems.
• Smelly wax: indicates an infection of the middle ear. You might notice a noise or blockage in the ears. Make sure you see an ear specialist.

Knowing what’s wrong with you is the right and first step into taking precautions and caring for your health. Meet with a doctor when needed.